Macomb County Habitat for Humanity searching for veterans to move into new homes

EASTPOINTE, Mich. - Walking through a newly renovated Eastpointe home, Helen Hicks, the executive director of the Macomb County Habitat for Humanity, is wearing a smile that barely fits on her face.

“I mean you can just picture it, maybe a couple of bunk beds. It’s perfect for a family,” she said walking through the upstairs bedroom.

Thanks to dozens of volunteers, the Eastpointe home has been completely renovated. Another brand new home is being built in Clinton Township.

However, they need to go to someone specific.

“They need to go to a vet. Two different vet families; one in Clinton Township and one in Eastpointe,” she said. “We have a couple corporations that came together, KSPG, BAE and AT&T. They said the really wanted their dollars to go towards a home for a vet.”

But here’s the problem: they can’t find anyone qualified. Among the criteria the veteran needs to earn at least $23,000 per year and has to be able to show the need.

“We’ve had scores of veterans who have applied,” said Hicks. “Unfortunately they haven’t qualified one way or the other.”

Still working in the basement, project manager Ted Delie said it’s an honor to work on homes for veterans. He said dozens of volunteers working for hundreds of hours made the project possible.

“We start from the roof and all the way down to the foundation,” he said. “It’s a complete rehab.”

For more information on the qualifications and how to apply for these homes, call 586-263-1540 or visit www.macombhabitat.org.